Hubert Anvil, 10, is the best boy soprano in Christendom. But he will be
neither a boy nor a soprano much longerunless an alteration is
performed on his anatomy. Church officials, including the Pope, decide
that they and Hubert have no choice; such a talent must be preserved
for the greater veneration and glory of God. Hubert, a devout and
obedient lad, would nonetheless like to know what he will be missing
from the manhood that is not to be his. "I know it's glorious to have
God's favor," says the potential castrato,...